Celebs need not apply at 'The View'? Casting takes a serious turn

Rosie O'Donnell attends "Howard Stern's Birthday Bash," presented by SiriusXM in New York in January. Rosie could be the last Celebrity-with-a-capital-C to snag a seat at "The View."

Rosie O'Donnell attends "Howard Stern's Birthday Bash," presented by SiriusXM in New York in January. Rosie could be the last Celebrity-with-a-capital-C to snag a seat at "The View." (Evan Agostini / Associated Press)

NBC News' Jack Lescoulie, left, Hugh Downs and Barbara Walters report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. Walters joined "Today" in 1961 as a writer and researcher for the show before becoming the "Today Girl" in 1964.

NBC News' Jack Lescoulie, left, Hugh Downs and Barbara Walters report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. Walters joined "Today" in 1961 as a writer and researcher for the show before becoming the "Today Girl" in 1964. (NBC)

Co-anchors Harry Reasoner and Barbara Walters on the set of ABC's evening news program. In 1976 Walters debuted as the nation's first female network evening news anchor. Walters co-anchored the evening news with Reasoner until 1978.

Co-anchors Harry Reasoner and Barbara Walters on the set of ABC's evening news program. In 1976 Walters debuted as the nation's first female network evening news anchor. Walters co-anchored the evening news with Reasoner until 1978. (Associated Press)

Barbara Walters, left, interviewed Barbra Streisand for the first "Barbara Walters Special," which aired on Dec. 14, 1976, on ABC. Walters also profiled President-elect Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn Carter for her first special.

Barbara Walters, left, interviewed Barbra Streisand for the first "Barbara Walters Special," which aired on Dec. 14, 1976, on ABC. Walters also profiled President-elect Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn Carter for her first special. (ABC Photo Archives)

But change appears to be afoot. While the names being bandied about in recent rumors might belong to familiar faces from TV news, there's not a Playboy spread, reality show or stool-and-a-mike setup among them.

Conservative radio host and Fox Newschannel contributor Tammy Bruce has been interviewed. WGN Morning News reporter Ana María Belaval and "Take Part Live" host and pundit Meghan McCain were guest hosts this week, with those visits being seen as auditions. CNN's "Crossfire" host and conservative writer S.E. Cupp is said to be up for consideration. NBC journalist Ann Curry, a former "Today" host, is reportedly on the list.

Of course, there's also the rumor about a possible seat for fame-hybrid Sarah Palin, who while hitting the "politics" and "punditry" bells also rings the ones for reality TV and gossip headlines. Still, probably not going to happen if they call Meredith Vieira as a reference.

Eliz did not get a "raw deal." She outlived her sell-by date by positing "arguments" without valid foundation. When asked to support her "different point of view," she became screechy & inarticulate. She hyperventilated, became defensive, & attacked anyone asked...

In any case, with only O'Donnell and veteran moderator Goldberg having Hollywood resumes, rival CBS show "The Talk" would suddenly look a lot more starry in the mornings. Yup, the same "The Talk" that last week beat "The View" in the most desirable ratings demographics for the first time in its four-year history.

Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler, Sara Gilbert and Sheryl Underwood all come from the entertainment industry, and even journalist Julie Chen has made gossip headlines talking about her plastic surgery. Plus she hosts "Big Brother," for Pete's sake.

"The View" now appears to be "going for fireworks rather than camaraderie," Behar told the Daily Beast the other day, noting that the tone of the show had gotten more intense after the additions of Hasselbeck and O'Donnell (in her first tour of duty) and then shifted back.

"By the time I left last summer it became goody-goody again," she said. "Fluffy."